Martin Horvath

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

B.S. Brown University

Ph.D. University of Chicago

Molecular Biology Program

Biological Chemistry Program

Structural Biology, X-Ray Crystallography

Research

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type glutamate receptors (NMDAR)s make possible the cognitive
functions of learning and memory in humans. Specific antagonists are critically needed
to dissect molecular roles of NMDARs and to block hyperactivity associated with neurological
diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Newly discovered
toxins derived from the venoms of marine snails (Conus and Turridae) may hold the
key. These toxins can distinguish among highly related NMDARs, inhibiting one subtype
but leaving others functional -- exactly the molecular properties needed for basic
neurobiological research tools and pharmacologically useful compounds. We wish to
determine the structures of these toxins, both as free compounds and as complexed
with relevant portions of NMDA receptors. Together with binding specificity analysis
(measured by isothermal titration calorimetry and other solution based methods), these
structures will aid in the design of NMDAR-targeted drugs.